Automated Water Treatment Alternative for Domestic use in Enugu State of Nigeria

Abstract—Many households in Enugu depend on water sourced from municipal water system for domestic use, especially for drinking purposes. Unfortunately, this source is not safe enough for drinking primarily due to poor water distribution network. As water travels from the Point of Treatment (POT) to the Point of Use (POU), it comes in contact with numerous contaminants via broken and rusty pipes. This study proposes a system that reduces or totally eliminates pollutants from domestic water at the point where it is used. Most of the naturally present pollutants (Bacteria, Viruses, Minerals, Heavy Metals, etc) are usually removed at the POT but results of tests carried out on water at various POUs within Enugu show that some levels of pollutants are present (Turbidity of 15 NTU, Colour of 25 units, Trihalomethane of 0.10mg/L, Odour > 3 Threshold). These values are clearly outside the standards set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for household and indeed drinking water [1]. By channelling water through a system of activated carbon filter, these pollutants are removed at POU. The system is made-up of a reservoir, filter and dispenser subsystems. Water enters the reservoir from the POT and from where the filter is fed. The output Water from the filter enters another reservoir from where it is dispensed. These processes of storage, treatment and dispensing are fully automated using a microcontroller chip to ensure efficiency and convenience. This study will be beneficial to the Ministry of water resources and the general public.